Happy Thanksgiving everyone! It’s that time of year again when I share what I’m thankful for – Disney Edition. I wanted to focus on something beyond what we all are most thankful for, such as a healthy and safe family, a good job, etc…
I wanted to write about things that I am thankful for, Disney style. Disney has created so many wonderful memories for my family I thought it would be fun to create a list. After reading my list I would like to hear your thoughts via Twitter.
I am thankful for….
- Walt Disney having the vision to create a place where families could have fun together in a safe environment
- The Walt Disney Co. continuously expanding and improving their parks, resorts, and service
- Being able to travel to Walt Disney World (and occasionally Disneyland) several times a year to get a different experience each time
- Having a wife and kids who love Disney as much as I do
- Having parents (Jacey & Peyton’s Grandparents), who enjoy and appreciate the magic of Disney like we do.
- Minnie Mouse opening up her arms to greet our youngest daughter on a pathway at Animal Kingdom and giving her a HUGE hug, which is something she still remembers to this day
- The look of amazement the first time my daughters stepped foot into Magic Kingdom
- The look of joy the first time my daughters met a Princess
- The look of bewilderment on my face when Belle picked me to play Beast at “Storytime with Belle”
- The ability to have grandparents who “get” what Disney is about and love to vacation with us
- Being able to help friends and families maximize their time during their Walt Disney World vacations
- Being able to see my daughters reaction when she finally reached the magical 48” height mark
- Blizzard Beach’s Summit Plummet helping me overcome my fear of heights
- Disney Vacation Club allowing our family to have accommodations that we otherwise might not be able to afford
- The smell of the Pop Century lobby after a 20 hour drive
- The ability to head right to your room without checking in after a 20 hour drive and arriving late in the night. (Thank you Magic Bands)
- Entering my resort room, turning on the TV, and hearing the sounds of Walt Disney World Today Channel, or a “Welcome Home Donahue’s” message on the TV.
- The times we were able to experience riding in the front of the monorail
- My youngest daughter, Peyton, who has Polycystic Kidney Disease, still being healthy enough to ride most attractions that she wants to
- Being able to “scream like a little girl” on Expedition Everest or Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind and fitting right in with everyone else
- Not looking like a fool wearing a crazy Disney hat around the parks
- Having a place where I can make a wish and truly believe it will come true
- Imagineers always wanting to “plus” an attraction
- Being old enough that my daughter, Jacey, completed the Disney College Program
- Finally experiencing Disney Cruise Line for the first time after I turned….50!
- Being fortunate enough to start planning another Disney trip right now
